UNIV - Postdoctoral Fellow in P-tau Pathology - Department of Pathology and Laboratory

Postdoctoral Fellow in P-tau Pathology in Endothelial Cells and Their Contribution to Brain Aging and AD Pathogenesis Research  

The Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) is seeking a highly motivated and talented postdoctoral researcher to join our team in advancing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) research. This position focuses on investigating the role of tau phosphorylation and p-tau pathology in cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (CVECs) and their contribution to brain aging and AD pathogenesis. In the US alone, 6 million individuals are affected by AD and related dementia. By 2050, this number is expected to rise to 14 million, underscoring the urgent need to develop effective treatments. The repeated failures of clinical trials targeting amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide, a crucial component in AD pathology, highlight the urgent need to explore other aspects of AD. Recent studies have identified cerebrovascular impairment as an early biomarker for AD, significantly influencing the disease's progression and the clinical manifestation of dementia. Despite recognizing this, most research in cerebrovascular abnormalities has predominantly targeted Aβ, leading to a considerable gap in our understanding the role of non-neuronal tau hyperphosphorylation, particularly in CVECs, in disrupt cerebrovascular health, particularly in relation to dementia. The successful candidate will leverage a systems biology approach and cutting-edge technologies—including cellular and molecular biology techniques, single-cell RNA sequencing, spatial proteomics, RNAscope, neuropathology, super-resolution confocal microscopy, and AD animal models—to investigate how non-neuronal mechanisms, particularly GSK3β-mediated tau hyperphosphorylation in CVECs, contribute to AD pathology and cognitive decline in preclinical models. 

Candidates should have a recent Ph.D. in neurobiology, molecular cell biology, neuroscience, or other related fields. Interested applicants should send your current CV, a cover letter describing your research interests/previous experience/future career goals, and the contact information for three references to Dr. Onder Albayram at albayram@musc.edu. Competitive salary and benefits will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Previous experience with AD transgenic mouse models, snRNA-seq, spatial proteomics, and confocal microscopy is highly preferred. 

Job Duties 

• 30% - In consultation with the PI, design and execute experiments to advance independent research projects. S/he will be responsible for planning experiments, developing new assays and experimental models as needed, trouble shooting, data analysis and interpretation, and being able to incorporate the results into manuscripts and sections of grant proposals.    

• 25% - Perform specific assays including histological procedures, quantitative RT-PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry assays. 

• 30% - Conduct standard animal experiments, including the handle of transgenic mice, mouse intraperitoneal and tail vein injections, rodent general surgeries (specific surgical procedures can be learned and trained as needed), collecting animal brain tissues, IHC, and data analysis.  

• 10% - Assist the PI in training and supervising graduate students, technicians, research assistants and junior lab members. 

• 5% - Attend seminars, career development activities locally and nationally at conferences, submit abstracts and present data at local, national & international meetings, and if applicable write postdoctoral fellowship applications and grant proposals. 

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements 

Candidates should have a Ph.D. in neuroscience, molecular cell biology, cellular neurobiology, or any other related fields. 

Preferred Experience & Additional Skills 

• Expert-level intellectual input to the research objectives and data interpretation of the PI’s projects. 

• Ability to work independently in experimental design and project execution. 

• Good oral and written communication skills.   

• Ability to train and supervise technicians and graduate students.